Dow is right
It doesn’t rain but pours at the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), a party that is in majority in the National Assembly. Just after controversially recalling Kgosi Mosadi Seboko from the membership of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), a woman politician, Unity Dow who declined the offer to fill the void created by the embarrassing decision to recall the Balete Paramount Chief, will soon be hauled before the party’s disciplinary committee.
It all happened at a supersonic speed, seemingly without consideration to the rights of individuals involved. In a democratic setup like Botswana, diversity of views is paramount as it also enriches dialogue. It’s shocking that the BDP leadership expected Dow to simply accept the PAP appointment without her giving it a thought first.
Her decision has even been viewed as defiance of the party caucus. Considering her calibre as a former Judge of the High Court of Botswana and a practicing attorney for many years, the BDP knows better what they are dealing with. They should not have expected the ‘where do I sign’ attitude without knowing the implications of her appending the signature.
Apparently, Dow used her democratic right to shoot down a principle that clearly if not condemned will set a very bad precedent. She was not alone in this view. Media reports suggest that even her colleague, Ramotswa Member of Parliament Lefoko Moagi also voted against his own party in support of Kgosi Mosadi’s continued service at the PAP.
As a result, Moagi is reportedly already skating on thin ice as a result of his alleged festering relationship with the masses in his constituency. Clearly, Dow did not want to help the party to abuse its privilege.
The double standard applied by the ruling party leadership on its cadres raises eyebrows that the BDP leaders could have been way-laying Dow to punish her. Moagi is on record in the local media stating his position that is purely against the party caucus, but he has not been slapped with a disciplinary charge.
As things stand, it doesn’t seem that anytime soon the party’s disciplinary committee would cause him to explain his defiance of the caucus, if it’s a serious and punishable offence. The BDP should be reminded that it has better things to utilise its majority in Parliament.
The party should be reminded that the development trajectory of the country rests upon its shoulders rather than abusing the strength on petty and trivial matters.
The BDP has a responsibility to prove us wrong that it does not abuse its systems to victimise those who assert themselves in a democratic dispensation. The party should carefully watch its action(s) lest it reverses its gains of 57 years in power.